Introduction:
Ah yes, Toby Keith’s “God Love Her,” a track that landed with a solid thud in country music circles back in 2008. Keith, a titan of the genre known for his anthems about American life, patriotism, and good ol’ boys, took a slightly different tack with this one. Here, we find him exploring the complexities of love and redemption through a catchy, mid-tempo melody.
Released as the second single from his album That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching a respectable number 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. While it didn’t quite crack the top 10 like some of Keith’s more bombastic hits, “God Love Her” resonated with fans for its relatable story and its exploration of a love that defies expectations.
The track itself is a collaboration between Keith and Vicky McGehee, a Nashville songwriter known for her work with artists like Trace Adkins and Joe Nichols. McGehee’s influence is evident in the song’s lyrical depth. It’s not your typical, truck-driving country love song. Here, the woman takes center stage. She’s a “preacher’s daughter,” a figure traditionally associated with piety and restraint. But Keith paints a different picture. This preacher’s daughter is a bit of a rebel, “baptized in dirty water,” hinting at a past that doesn’t quite fit the mold.
“God Love Her” is a testament to the power of love to transform. The narrator, a man who seems to have been down on his luck, finds his soul “saved from the devil” not by some divine intervention, but by this unconventional woman. The song celebrates the unexpected ways love can blossom, defying stereotypes and finding beauty in the imperfections.
It’s important to note that Toby Keith is no stranger to controversy. His music often tackles hot-button issues and embraces a certain brand of patriotism that can be polarizing. However, with “God Love Her,” he takes a more personal approach. The song feels genuine, a reflection on the transformative power of love in a way that transcends political divides.
So, when you hit play on “God Love Her,” don’t expect a flag-waving anthem. Instead, prepare yourself for a country ballad with a surprising twist, a song that celebrates the complexities of love and the unexpected ways it can redeem us all.
Video:
Lyrics:
“God Love Her”
Washed in the blood
And raised on the banks
Of the Mississippi mud
She always had a thing
About fallin’ in love with a bad boyYea, they could see it all comin’
But her daddy never dreamed
She’d grow up that fast
You know what I mean
The way a girl gets
When she turns 17
Kinda crazyShe’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time
They caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see…God love her
Oh me and God love her
She kissed her mama goodbye
Said I’ll be sure ‘n phone ya
She called from a truck stop
In Tucson Arizona
With amazing grace
We made California alive
And then my gypsy life
Started takin’ it’s toll
And the fast lane got empty
And out of control
And just like an angel
She saved my soul from the devil
Yea she’s a rebel child
And a preacher’s daughter
She was baptized in dirty water
Her mama cried the first time
They caught her with me
They knew they couldn’t stop her
She holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see….God love her
Oh me and God love her
Now she holds tight to me and the Bible
On the back seat of my motorcycle
Left her daddy standin’ there
Preachin’ to the choir
You see…God love her
Oh me and God love her
God love her
Me and God love her